"We're not here to tell you not to drink," said Bob Keene, a member of The Improbable Players of Boston, which performed a number of skits in which alcohol and drugs play a part in decision making and behavior.
Keene is one of two actors who performed for hundreds of Greek sorority and fraternity pledges last night at the second of three mandatory events presented by the Coed, Fraternity and Sorority Council as part of the "New Member Series."
The performance began rather unconventionally with Gabrielle Lucke, the College's Health Educator, being ran off stage by Keene, who said that the audience was "tired of hearing the same old speech about alcohol abuse. You hear this "just say no" crap everyday!" Keene exclaimed.
Keene, along with his co-star, Sherri, performed about 10 skits. The most powerful one -- which was greeted with uncomfortable audience laughter and applause -- dealt with sex and drinking.
Issues such as pregnancy and AIDS were also part of the performance. Sherri said this skit was especially important to her, since she has been HIV positive for the past eight years.
Some pledges thought the program was enjoyable and informative, but doubted its effectiveness.
"I don't think a two-hour lecture is going to change anyone's drinking habits," Jeremy Segal '97, a pledge at Sigma Nu fraternity, said.
"It was more personal than someone getting up there and lecturing, but I don't think it's going to keep anyone out of a frat basement anytime soon," Shane Leahey '97, a Chi Gamma Epsilon fraternity pledge, said.
The Improbable Players was created 10 years ago by Lynn Bratley. Bratley, a recovering alcoholic and actress, said the program was a natural combination of her recovery and her talent.
